Stores are more than just places to shop – they set the stage for discovery and connection, shaping how customers experience a brand. Visual merchandising, when done right, can transform passive browsing into active engagement, directly influencing purchasing behavior. The unique brand experience created by well-maintained displays can increase sales by up to 540%, while studies show that 70% of purchasing decisions occur at the point of purchase. Poorly executed displays don’t just fail to inspire; they leave revenue and customer loyalty on the table.
The connection between strategic visual merchandising and revenue growth is undeniable. Visual elements like layout, lighting, and product placement influence 91.3% of consumer purchase intent. Well-executed displays can increase sales by 30%, with premium placement – such as eye-level positioning – accounting for 52% of all retail sales. Additionally, stores that refresh their displays every two weeks experience 23% higher foot traffic than those with static setups.
For outdoor brands, creating immersive, experience-driven displays makes a measurable impact. This approach, known as ‘experiential merchandising ‘, involves creating displays that provide a sensory experience for the customer, such as interactive camping scenes or climbing walls. Brands that leverage experiential merchandising report 18% longer dwell times and 12% higher conversion rates. The in-store experience must mirror the thrill of the outdoors, making displays more than just decoration – they become silent salespeople.
For example, a North Face store featuring tent setups and adventure-themed vignettes saw a 27% increase in sales for the displayed products. Results like these reinforce a critical truth: visual storytelling isn’t optional – it’s a revenue driver.
3 Strategies to Elevate Outdoor Retail Displays
1. Optimize Product Placement with Precision
Science confirms that 62–90% of product assessments hinge on color and placement. Outdoor brands should prioritize:
- Eye-level positioning for high-margin items – 52% of sales occur in relation to eye-level positioning.
- Identifying thematic groupings and using them to tell a story, like Hunter’s boot-and-bag pairings or Specialized’s cycling lifestyle displays.
- Interactive shopping zones, such as in-store camping scenes, can increase product dwell time by 15% and boost accessory sales.
2. Leverage Technology for Consistency and Agility
Brands can leverage visual merchandising software to digitally map displays, streamline real-time updates across global teams, and minimize miscommunication. Additionally, platforms like ENDVR are used to incentivize RSAs to consistently refresh and optimize displays, ensuring a more engaging in-store experience and better communication with your frontline staff.
3. Maintain Ruthlessly
Cluttered displays repel customers. Regular updates are non-negotiable: Retailers refreshing displays every 2 weeks see 19% higher repeat visits. Use inventory turnover data (e.g., Inventory Turnover = Cost of Goods Sold OVER Average Inventory) to identify slow-moving items and rotate stock strategically.
Visual merchandising is the bridge between product and passion. Data doesn’t lie: Strategic displays lift sales, deepen brand loyalty, and turn stores into destinations. Brands must invest in agile technology, bold storytelling, and relentless optimization to stay ahead.
ENDVR’s Retail Ops gives brands real-time visibility into in-store displays. Allowing teams to track, verify, and optimize merchandising efforts efficiently. RSAs can be incentivized to update and maintain displays regularly, keeping product presentations engaging and aligned with brand standards. With ENDVR, brands can transform visual merchandising into a data-driven, scalable strategy that maximizes sales, strengthens brand presence, and ensures stores look their best every day.
For strategies on products displays to capture attention, tell a compelling story, and align with consumer behavior. Download the Outdoor Brand Merchandising Checklist: Ensuring Strong In-Store Presence or talk to an Expert to learn how your brand can start implementing these strategies.
